DOES YOUR HORSE PASS A handling WOF?
Imagine if our horses had to pass a Warrant of Fitness…
just like our cars do
You know the one — the mechanic checks the brakes, the lights, the steering…
making sure everything is safe, reliable, and fit for purpose. A WOF gives you confidence your car won’t let you down. But what about your horse?
A great many horses wouldn’t pass a WOF check for simple handling procedures from leading to lunging, worming to washing. Not because they’re “bad”…
but because they’ve never been taught the basics clearly enough.
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Two Great Learning Options Available
Do it Yourself - Self-Paced Course Learn at your own pace with lifetime
access to all videos and resources
Mentored Edition — Includes 4 Personal Coaching Calls for Tailored Guidance and Feedback
Why Good Ground Work Matters
Ground Work also-known-as Good Basic Handling is something often overlooked when it comes to
horse training - We just want to get on a ride!
But so many of our horses are tricky for us humans to handle.
When horses do not have good basics in place all sorts of things start to fall apart...
They are hard to worm, difficult to bridle or seem to hate spray bottles
Lunging is anything but calm and controlled
Trotting up for the vet is a nightmare and holding still for the farrier gives you a headache
Everyday tasks that should be simple are actually problamatic
Hi, I'm Jody Hartstone - The Equine Catalyst
When it comes to dealing with horses who are difficult to do seemingly simple everyday tasks with - I've been there and got the badge.
Throughout my career, I've found myself dealing with horses that wouldn’t stand still, were hard to lead, impossible to load and would not dream of being clipped.
It wasn’t until I discovered Equitation Science and truly understood how horses learn that everything started to change
I realised it wasn’t about being stronger, firmer, or more experienced. It was about clarity, timing and teaching the right responses in the right way.
Now I help riders all over the world turn difficult, stressful handling into something calm, clear, and predictable. And I’d love to help you do the same.
HOW I CAN HELP
I’ve taken everything I’ve learned from decades of riding, competing, and coaching — and distilled it into a simple, science-based system for teaching the fundamental handling skills every horse actually needs.
This isn’t about rope twirling, and certainly not about chasing horses in circles - this is about the stuff that actually matters. Leading calmly. Standing still to mount. Being safe, predictable, and easy to handle.
The things that make your horse functional in the real world.
TESTIMONIALS
What others are saying
Loving Learning This!
I used to think my horse was just “bad” to handle — especially with things like worming and standing still. But I’ve learned how important it is to teach clear responses from the ground and how much that affects everything else. I now have a horse that is calmer, more predictable, and actually understands what I’m asking.
Anna W. – Central Otago, NZ
From difficult to easy as!
I was genuinely mind blown how some small/simple changes had mind blowing results on issues I had been unable to pinpoint/figure out to be able to work though.
Stacey G - King Country, NZ
Online Learning at its Best!
I’ve done a lot of groundwork before, but this was the first time it actually made sense.
Understanding how horses learn - and how to apply pressure and release properly to hone my horse's leading responses - has completely changed the way my horse responds.
Celeste – Northland, NZ
FRom Stressfull to Straight Forward - what handling your horse can feel like...
When you understand how your horse actually learns, everything becomes clearer, safer, and easier.
When your horse fails the wof...
Hard to catch, lead, or keep out of your space
Won’t stand still - fidgeting, walking off, or pulling away
Stress around worming, clipping, or basic handling
Pushes into pressure or braces against you
Inconsistent responses - good one day, difficult the next
Lunging that feels chaotic, rushed, or out of control
You’re constantly managing behaviour instead of improving it
When your horse passes the wof...
Calm, easy handling you can rely on every day
Stands quietly — tied up, at the mounting block, or being handled
Relaxed and cooperative for worming, clipping, and routine care
Responds lightly and consistently to pressure
Predictable behaviour you can trust in different situations
Controlled, balanced, and responsive on the lunge
You feel confident, clear, and in control
Here Is How
This Works
You don’t need fancy gear, a perfect setup, or hours of guesswork.
You just need a clear, step-by-step system - and an understanding of how your horse actually learns.
Step 2: Understand the “why” behind the behaviour - Discover the science of learning theory so you know exactly what your horse is responding to - and why things go wrong.
Step 3: Fix the real-world problems - Work through common WOF failures like fidgeting, pulling, poor leading, clipping stress, and chaotic lunging.
Step 4: Progress with confidence - Follow a clear training pathway you can return to anytime - whether you’re starting fresh or fixing long-standing issues.
Ready to get started?
Handling your horse will finally feel calm, clear, and predictable.
INTRODUCING
Educated - From the Ground up
now officially open for enrollment
WHAT'S INSIDE
Module 1
SOLID FOUNDATIONS - SAFETY, SCIENCE & SET-UP
Before you start training, you need clarity — on what you’re aiming for, how horses learn, and how to stay safe while doing it.
What you'll learn
An Overview of Equitation Sceince
What a truly educated horse looks like (WOF concept)
The importance of solid foundations
How to approach training through a safety-first lens
Module 2
HOW HORSES LEARN
Effective training comes from understanding how learning works. This module gives you the science behind everything you will do next.
What you'll learn
How horses learn through pressure, release and reward
How habituation occurs in training
How Classical Conditioning builds clear, reliable cues
The Shaping Principle - breaking down training into small steps
How to apply these concepts in a way that is clear, ethical and effective
Module 3
TRAINING THE CORE RESPONSES
This is where the real training begins - You will build each core response step-by-step, creating a horse that is light, responsive, and truly educated from the ground.
What you'll learn
How to establish a baseline and begin training with precision
How to develop a reliable GO aid without nagging
How to build a correct, light STOP and step back response
How to teach TURN and YIELD responses for control and straightness
How to create a calm PARK, put your horse on voice cues and lead confidently
Module 4
FROM SKILLS TO SOLUTIONS
Real World Groundwork Applications to solve common issues. Take everything you have learned and apply it
What you'll learn
How to stop rushing, barging and loss of control
Safely prevent and retrain horses that run through pressure
Solve challenges with the vet, farrier, tying up etc
Apply habituation techniques to reduce fear around saddling, girthing, clipping etc
Use groundwork to solve issues with leading and lunging, from head swinging to spinning
WHAT'S INSIDE
Module 1
SOLID FOUNDATIONS - SAFETY, SCIENCE & SET-UP
Before you start training, you need clarity — on what you’re aiming for, how horses learn, and how to stay safe while doing it.
What you'll learn
An Overview of Equitation Sceince
What a truly educated horse looks like (WOF concept)
The importance of solid foundations
How to approach training through a safety-first lens
Module 2
HOW HORSES LEARN
Effective training comes from understanding how learning works. This module gives you the science behind everything you will do next.
What you'll learn
How horses learn through pressure, release and reward
How habituation occurs in training
How Classical Conditioning builds clear, reliable cues
The Shaping Principle - breaking down training into small steps
How to apply these concepts in a way that is clear, ethical and effective
Module 3
TRAINING THE CORE RESPONSES
This is where the real training begins - You will build each core response step-by-step, creating a horse that is light, responsive, and truly educated from the ground.
What you'll learn
How to establish a baseline and begin training with precision
How to develop a reliable GO aid without nagging
How to build a correct, light STOP and step back response
How to teach TURN and YIELD responses for control and straightness
How to create a calm PARK, put your horse on voice cues and lead confidently
Module 4
FROM SKILLS TO SOLUTIONS
Real World Groundwork Applications to solve common issues. Take everything you have learned and apply it
What you'll learn
How to stop rushing, barging and loss of control
Safely prevent and retrain horses that run through pressure
Solve challenges with the vet, farrier, tying up etc
Apply habituation techniques to reduce fear around saddling, girthing, clipping etc
Use groundwork to solve issues with leading and lunging, from head swinging to spinning
By The End Of This Course You Will:
A good understanding of how horses learn and why undesirable behaviours occur
An appreciation of how in-hand responses can be assessed, trained or retrained
A much improved feeling of control and safety with your horse on the ground
A horse that you can proudly say ticks all the boxes for a full Warrant of Fitness
And if you choose the coaching option, I’ll personally guide you through the process with feedback on your footage and short Zoom consults, helping you troubleshoot and refine things every step of the way.
Who Is This COURSE Perfect For ?
Riders who feel unsure or inconsistent when handling their horse on the ground
Owners who want to truly understand what they are doing - not just follow instructions
Horses that feel pushy, inattentive, anxious or unclear in-hand.
Riders who want to build safe, calm and predictable behaviour from the ground up
Trainers and coaches looking for a clear, ethical, science-based framework
Anyone who wants their horse that is responsive, confident, and easy to handle - in any situation
Educated – From the Ground Up takes the confusion out of groundwork, turning it into clear, safe, and responsive handling. It gives you real-world, science-backed solutions to transform your skills and your horse’s understanding.
PRICING
CHOOSE YOUR Journey
Option 1: Self-Paced DIY COurse
$250NZD
Get instant access to the full
Educated - From the Ground Up course:
Step-by-step video lessons
Lifetime Access
Go at Your Own Pace
The Chance to Upgrade to Mentorship Later
OPTION 2: Course plus Personalised Coaching
$500NZD
All the Benefits of the Self Paced Course PLUS:
4 x 30 min Zoom Coaching Calls with me to use over 6 Months - (Valued at $350 NZD)
Personal Feedback on your training footage
Customized Trouble Shooting and Next Steps
Extra Motivation and Support to Stay on Track
All Together, What You'll Get:
30+ Step-by-Step Video Lessons
Clear, bite-sized video tutorials showing you exactly how to train or retrain responses
Lifetime Access to All Content
Revisit any lesson, anytime — perfect for refreshing before training sessions or applying it to your next horse..
optional Coaching & Video Feedback (Upgrade Option)
Want Jody to personally guide your journey? Choose the coaching package and get four 30-minute Zoom calls with tailored video review.
Your horse's Own Warrant of Fitness Checklist
A simple tick box system to serve as your training compass - turning each and every horse into a good citizen.
STILL NOT SURE?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone who wants to feel more confident, clear, and in control when handling their horse on the ground. It’s especially helpful if you’re unsure what you should be doing in-hand, or if your horse feels pushy, inattentive, anxious, or inconsistent to handle.
You might be starting a young horse, bringing one home from the breaker, or simply wanting to improve the basics - but more than anything, this course is for riders who want to understand why things work, not just follow a set of steps.
Everything is built around creating safe, calm, and predictable behaviour using clear, science-based training - so both you and your horse can feel more confident in any situation.
Do I need an arena or special equipment?
No - you don’t need a special training area. This work can be done anywhere safe. In fact, training should happen everywhere, not just in an arena.
In terms of equipment, you can absolutely do this in a headcollar or a bridle. My personal preference is a bridle, as it creates better clarity and transfer to ridden work.
You’ll also need basic safety gear: a helmet, gloves, and a dressage whip.
For more experienced handlers, a chifney (stallion bit) can be a very useful tool - but only if you know how to use it correctly and your horse has a history of pulling, barging, or control issues. It’s not something I recommend for inexperienced handlers.
What’s the difference between the $250 and $500 options?
The $250 option gives you full access to the Educated - From The Ground Up course with all the lessons, PDFs, and lifetime access to content. The $500 option includes four 30-minute personal coaching calls with me via Zoom, where you can show me footage, ask questions, and get tailored feedback and advice throughout your journey.
How do the Zoom coaching sessions work?
You’ll record short clips of you doing the exercises with your horse, send them to me in advance, and then we’ll meet on Zoom for a 30-minute consult. I’ll give you feedback, help troubleshoot, and make sure you’re on the right track. Think of it as a mini mentoring package just for handling issues!
How long do I have access to the course?
Forever! You can return to the videos and resources anytime you need a refresher — whether that’s next week, next month, or next time you acquire a new horse or get stuck.
What if I’m not sure which option is right for me?
If you're self-motivated and love learning at your own pace, the $250 course might be perfect. But if you want support, real-time guidance, or someone to check your progress and answer questions — the coaching option is worth every cent.
Jody Hartstone - The Equine Catalyst
Ready for a Horse That’s Safe, Reliable, and WOF-Ready?
Good groundwork is the cornerstone of a safe, calm, and reliable horse — and it’s never too early (or too late) to get it right.
Educated – From the Ground Up gives you the tools to teach these skills simply, clearly, and compassionately — using the science of how horses actually learn.
Give your horse the best possible foundation…
and set yourself up for a lifetime of safer, easier, and more enjoyable handling and riding. steering is the cornerstone of calm, relaxed riding — and it's never too early (or too late) to get it right.
Start Stop Steer gives you the tools to teach it simply, clearly, and compassionately.
Give your horse the best possible start — and set yourself up for a lifetime of safer, happier rides.
Equine Catalyst: Empowering you with the knowledge and skills to create a brighter future for your horses. Where sport, ethics, and science converge.
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